USA TODAY Sports

Nick Bonino Looking Forward to Another Run with Penguins

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Penguins
By Nick Horwat | Last updated 3/5/23

Nick Bonino wasn’t a perfect choice for the Pittsburgh Penguins at the trade deadline, but it is certainly a fun option who brings great memories and positive memories.

With Teddy Blueger traded away to the Vegas Golden Knights, a veteran Bonino slots in perfectly.

Bonino can fill the role of upper-tier penalty killer and bring a little more offense than Blueger this season.

Getting traded as an NHL player is never easy, but for Bonino, it was nice having a sense of familiarity this time.

“I’ve been on new teams a bunch of times,” Bonino said. “You come back into a room with everyone you know, it feels good.”

While it’s a much different team from when the Penguins won back-to-back Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017, Bonino was an integral part of those runs.

There is the obvious success of the HBK Line of Bonino, Carl Haglin, and Phil Kessel and that stemmed to an iconic overtime winning goal against the Washington Capitals.

You know the one, it had the iconic ‘Bonino Bonino Bonino’ call from Harnarayan Singh of Hockey Night in Canada.

Bonino says he still hears that call pretty often, no matter the team he’s on.

Now, Bonino and the Penguins look ahead; it’s the start of a new chapter for the player and team as they hope to find success with an old friend.

“It’s been a whirlwind day,” Bonino said. “I’m happy to be here. My best hockey memories of my life are with the Penguins. Hopefully make more of those.”

The Penguins took a tough 4-1 loss to the Florida Panthers in his first game back with the team, but they soon return home for a five-game home stand.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Penguins and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: